Airborne geophysical surveying for hazardous waste site characterization on the Oak Ridge Reservation, Tennessee

Abstract

Airborne geophysical methods that were developed for mineral and petroleum exploration can, with some modification, be applied to environmental problems where large areas must be characterized. A helicopter survey that deployed magnetic, electromagnetic, and radiometric sensors carried out one of the first large‐scale airborne environmental surveys at a U.S. government facility at Oak Ridge, Tennessee in 1993–1994. The survey included testing of a new airborne electromagnetic system designed specifically for environmental applications and for controlled field tests of magnetic systems. Helicopter‐borne magnetic measurements were capable of discriminating groups of as few as ten metallic 208-liter (55-gallon) storage drums under representative field conditions. Magnetic and electromagnetic sensors were able to distinguish groups of metal‐filled waste disposal trenches within disposal sites, but were unable to resolve individual trenches. Electromagnetic data proved to be the most effective airborne technique for geological mapping in this portion of the Appalachian fold‐and‐thrust belt and for locating karst features. Radiometric measurements were useful both in geological mapping and in detecting zones of high radiation related to hazardous waste. The Oak Ridge survey proved valuable for quickly screening large areas and for locating anomalies for subsequent ground follow‐up. On‐board video was used to reduce the number of instances of ground follow‐up by allowing the visual screening of anomalous areas.